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The Impressive Iberian Peninsula: NW Spain & Portugal --MULTIPLE DEPARTURES

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    Thu, June 16, 2022 (Departure Date)

Cost: From $6699

Discover the impressive Iberian Peninsula with Premier Tours & Travel. From Santiago de Compostela through Porto and Lisbon, Portugal, experience the cultural, culinary, and vitacultural riches of Northwest Spain and Portugal on our small group tour.


June 16-June 28, 2022

June 30-July 12, 2022*

August 18-30, 2022

September 8-20, 2022

From $6899 Per Person; Double Occupancy: Single Supplement $1,800**

Limited to 20 passengers


Details of Your Stay in Spain (4 Nights)

Your journey begins with overnight flight to Madrid from the United States, connecting with your flight to Santiago de Compostela.


DAY 1:  SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Premier Tours & Travel will be on hand to meet and greet you at the airport in Santiago de Compostela — the capital of the Galicia region, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the shrine of Saint James the Great (the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela), and a crucial stop on the infamous Camino de Santiago.


Transfer to your accommodations, A Quinta da Auga (or similar) to settle in for the next four nights. A Quinta da Auga is a Relais & Chateaux property in Santiago de Compostela and is an homage to the heritage of the capital city of Galicia. Formerly an 18th-century paper mill, A Quinta da Auga surrounds you with its unique industrial architecture set on a picturesque farm surrounded by water canals leading to the Sars River. After a full day of travel, enjoy the balance of your day at leisure resting or using your complimentary, one-day pass at the luxury spa on property as our guest.

This evening, join us for a cocktail while being serenaded by local folklore music, including traditional bagpipes, in the beautiful hotel gardens. A Welcome Dinner follows at Filigrana, the renowned Galician gastronomy restaurant on property.


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DAY 2:  SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Following breakfast, enjoy a private, guided walking tour in Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela, with its Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque buildings, is one of the world's most beautiful urban areas. In the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, find the oldest monuments grouped around the tomb of St James and visit the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, which contains the remarkable Pórtico de la Gloria — a Spanish masterpiece commissioned in 1168 by King Ferdinand II and created by Master Mateo. Wander the Praza do Obradoiro to learn about the other three imposing structures lining the square along with the Cathedral: Hostal dos Reis CatólicosPazo de Raxoi, and the Colexio de San Xerome. Following your guided tour, your lunch and afternoon will be at your disposal to stroll this beautiful city.


This evening, enjoy dinner at A Horta d'Obradoiro (or similar) — a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant that serves delicious, local cuisine “while at the same time showcasing a part of Santiago’s rich history.”


DAY 3: RIA DE AROSA

Following breakfast, transfer to O Grove — a relatively unspoiled seaside peninsula in Galicia. Sail on the beautiful Arousa River on a private catamaran for a guided tour through the Ría de Arousa — the largest estuary in Galicia — with a special a stop at a mussel, oyster, and scallop farming platform. Enjoy underwater viewing of the farming and on-board tasting of the freshest steamed shellfish and wine. The tour will move on shore by way of the Toja bridge to Toja Island. Visit Ermita de San Sebastián, a small chapel covered completely in seashells, and Museo La Toja, the museum for the famous old soap factory. Be sure to experience an Empanada Gallega — a Galician pie handmade the traditional way and baked in a wood oven. Upon returning to the hotel, the evening and dinner will be at leisure.


DAY 4:  SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – CAMBADOS

Set off for a full-day tour of Cambados, capital of the Pontevedra region of Spain most famous for its Albariño wines. Cambados is a fusion of three medieval villages -- Fefiñáns at the north end of town (centered on beautiful, broad Praza de Fefiñáns), Cambados proper in the middle, and the fishing quarter Santo Tomé in the south. Following the tour, enjoy the first wine tasting of the day at the winery Adegas do Pazo de Fefiñáns on the plaza. Adegas do Pazo de Fefiñáns was recently nominated to Wine Enthusiast magazine’s 2020 Wine Star Awards as Best European Winery of the Year.


The Albariño adventure continues with a winery tour, tasting, and gourmet lunch at the fabulous Bodega Pazo Baión. This boutique winery is a jewel of artistic and cultural heritage, producing acclaimed Albariño wines, such as Pazo Baión and Condes de Albarei.

A visit to the Albariño region would not be complete without a tour of one of the most extensive wine estates in Galicia, Bodegas Fillaboa. Fillaboa, which means “good daughter,” is a 17th-century estate whose name comes from a local legend with many parallels with the tale of Cinderella by Charles Perrault in which two daughters of a Count envied their younger sister to whom her father left the best lands as an inheritance. Enjoy the fairytale surroundings while tasting the exceptional, small production wines of the estate — some of which won the prestigious Best in Show award at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2019.


Details of Your Stay in Porto (4 Nights)


DAY 5:  SANTIAGO – PORTO

Say farewell Santiago de Compostela, Spain and depart for Portugal. Enjoy the magnificent landscape en route, with a stop at Vigo, Spain. Vigo is the westernmost city in Iberian Spain situated on the Atlantic Ocean with captivating views of the Cíes Islands and mountains all around. Stroll Casco Vello, the city’s old town, which is set on a slope that leads to the old port with enticing alleys that lead to arcaded squares, such as Praza da Constitución. Vigo is a seafood lover’s dream, so be sure to visit the oyster market to enjoy the freshest local oysters from Vigo Bay during lunch at leisure. Continue to Oporto (Porto), second largest city in Portugal, to settle into the heart of the city for the next four nights at the 5-star Maison Albar Le Monumental Palace — a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. A dinner a nearby restaurant will end the day.


DAY 6:  PORTO – VILA NOVA DE GAIA

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Porto this morning, including the historic center that was designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring sites such as the Porto Cathedral, Dom Luís Bridge, São Bento station, Lello Bookstore, and Clérigos Church. Lunch and the afternoon will be at leisure for you to explore “Cidade Invicta,” the Invincible City. Late afternoon, sail across the Douro River on the infamous “Barcos Rabelos” (wooden boats) from Cais do Ouro to Afurada. It is here in Vila Nova de Gaia to learn firsthand why the city is world famous for its fortified Portuguese wine — port. Following a walking tour on the narrow lanes and up and down the zigzagging staircases, visit Taylor Fladgate Port cellar to learn about and enjoy a tasting of their exceptional ports. A special dinner of Petiscos — like Spanish tapas — will follow at a nearby, traditional Taberninha.


DAY 7:  PORTO – DOURO RIVER VALLEY

Today, experience the sun-drenched vineyards, captivating villages, and historical landmarks of the Douro River Valley on a full-day tour. A tour to Portugal would be incomplete without meandering through some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and experiencing some of the finest vineyards in the world. Starting with one of the oldest and most famous estates in the Douro Valley, Quinta do Vallado, enjoy the breathtaking views of the Corgo River from the vineyard while tasting its award-winning wines and ports. Next, visit Quinta do Bomfim — owner of such leading port houses as Graham's, Dow's, Ware’s, and Cockburn's, as well as a portfolio of Douro wines. Enjoy a wine tasting and a private picnic in the vineyards to bask in the fruits of this exceptional vineyard. Following lunch, set off on a private, small group two-hour sail on vintage “Gentleman’s boat” on the Douro River to relax in the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. While the balance of the group is sailing, partake in a tour and tasting at Quinta da Roeda, the oldest port wine houses still in operation and described as the jewel of port wine estates. Return to Porto for evening at leisure.


DAY 8:  PORTO

Enjoy your morning and lunch at leisure today. Later in the afternoon, learn how to cook a three-course Portuguese meal under the tutelage of an acclaimed local chef in a private cooking class while sipping Portuguese wines. At the end of your hands-on lesson (at which you are welcome to participate as much or as little as you would like with the preparations), experience your efforts as a farewell to Porto dinner.


Details of Your Stay in Lisbon (4 Nights)


DAY 9:  PORTO – LISBON

Today, the journey continues from Porto to Lisbon by way of Santa Maria de Lamas and Coimbra. Santa Maria de Lamas is home to one of the world’s most technologically advanced producers of cork. Learn about cork oak forests (Montado in Portuguese) native to Portugal and the harvesting, processing, use and sustainability of cork. Next, visit the amazing city of Coimbra with its preserved medieval old town and the famous University of Coimbra —one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world. Stroll the magical streets and gaze upon the multitude of architectural styles, from Romanesque Old Cathedral to the Baroque University Tower. Enjoy time at leisure for lunch before departing for Lisbon. Upon your arrival in the capital of Portugal, enjoy time to settle into your centrally located, 5-star accommodations, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel (or similar). A dinner awaits this evening to welcome you to Lisbon.


DAY 10: LISBON

Set out after breakfast to discover Lisbon and experience why it is nicknamed the “White City’ as you bask in the sunshine reflected onto the city from the Tagus River. Explore iconic sites such as Praça Marquês of Pombal, Eduardo VII ParkBelém TowerPadrão dos Descobrimentos, and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Continue across the Tagus River on the magnificent Ponte 25 April (bridge) to Almada to view Cristo Rei — the imposing Statue of Christ the King and enjoy spectacular views of Lisbon. Return to the hotel for the balance of the day and evening at leisure. Be sure to visit the spectacular rooftop bar, Skybar, to experience some of the most amazing views of the city while sipping on their exceptional cocktails.


DAY 11: LISBON – SINTRA – CASCAIS

Experience a full day meandering through some of the most mystical, romantic mountain and seaside towns a short ride away from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon. Feel like royalty in Sintra — a longtime royal sanctuary with its forested landscapes studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces. Explore Palácio Nacional da Pena and see why the king of fairytales, Hans Christian Anderson called Sintra “the most beautiful place in Portugal.” Meander the cobbled streets through the historical center of town, visit shops, take pictures of Palácio Nacional de Sintra, and enjoy a stop at the Periquita Pastry Shop to taste the famous “Travesseiro de Sintra.” Visit the Cabo da Roca, “where the land ends and sea begins.” and stop for a visit to Cascais, a coastal beach town known for its sandy beaches and busy marina. Enjoy a traditional seafood lunch. Return to Lisbon for your evening and dinner at leisure.


DAY 12: LISBON

On your final day in Lisbon, enjoy the time at leisure for shopping, packing, and any final sightseeing. Tonight, enjoy a private tram tour of charming hilly Lisbon where the normal tourist bus has difficulty to reach before a Farewell Dinner at a traditional restaurant.


DAY 13: DEPART LISBON

Following breakfast, transfers will be provided to the airport. We hope you enjoyed Spectacular Spain & Portugal! ¡Buen viaje! Boa viagem!


Optional: Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions in Madrid, Lisbon, and Throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Call today to learn more.

 

* This departure will begin in Lisbon and end in Santiago de Compostela/Madrid.

**IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Itinerary subject to change. Premier Tours & Travel reserves the right to modify programs and itineraries (including arranged sightseeing, accommodations, dining experiences, aircraft, trains, vessels, and so forth) at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond Premier Tours & Travel’s control, including force majeures. In the instance our Expert host cancels due to unforeseen circumstances, Premier Tours & Travel has the right to substitute another Expert host, such as a chef, in such an emergency (timing allowed) and/or the tour will continue in its entirety. Every effort is made to operate our itineraries as planned but alterations may need to be made after the final itinerary has been issued. Airfare is not included. Deposit is non-refundable. Wine is included as noted otherwise alcoholic beverages are the responsibility of each adult guest. Please see General Terms & Conditions on our website.

Tags

  • portugal
  • galicia
  • spain
  • albarino
  • wine tour
  • culinary tour

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